Method of enriching a mammalian cell population for mesoderm cells

Abstract

The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy.

1. A method of isolating a mammalian cell population enriched for mesoderm cells comprising culturing mammalian embryoid bodies in the absence of serum and in the presence of activin at a concentration of 30 ng/ml or less, and isolating a cell population enriched for mesoderm cells after said culturing. 
     
     
       2. A method of generating a mammalian cell population enriched for mesoderm cells comprising:
 a) culturing mammalian embryonic stem cells in differentiation culture that does not contain activin until embryoid bodies are formed, and 
 b) adding a serum free medium and activin at a concentration of 30 ng/ml or less to said embryoid bodies such that a cell population enriched for mesoderm is generated.